March 8, 2013 | Sex & Society

Canada quietly supporting pro-gay groups in Uganda

Canada's Conservative government has been quietly helping LGBT groups in Africa defeat Uganda's notorious "Kill the Gays" Bill. The bill, if passed, would make certain "acts'" of homosexuality punishable by death, while others would result in extended prison terms.

Canada has given over $200,000 to help groups fight the bill since last year.

"Canadian officials have conveyed Canada's concerns with the bill to Uganda's Foreign Ministry," said a senior Department of Foreign Affairs official, who admitted Canada was "working closely with Ugandan civil society" to fight the legislation.

Projects being supported with the Canadian funds include training sessions for activists in Uganda and other African nations facing similar antigay legislation, emergency kits to help those who fear for their safety, and the establishment of an emergency hotline to help those LGBT Africans wishing to escape homophobic countries.

Ugandan Speaker of Parliament Rebecca Kadaga had promised to force the bill through as "a Christmas gift" to Ugandans who were "demanding it." However, the bill was not passed before the winter recess and is once again in limbo.

President Yoweri Museveni has not confirmed his own position on the bill.

This would be reason number 4,234 to love Canada!